NHRU Enters Talks About Asia Pacific Rugby

NHRU ENTERS TALKS ABOUT ASIA PACIFIC RUGBY

Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) has entered talks about possibly entering a professional team in a new rugby union competition that will start in the Asia Pacific region next year.

President of NHRU, Bill Clifton, said initial discussions had been held with Global Rapid Rugby about entering a Hunter-based rugby team in the new competition.

“NHRU held talks last week with the head of Global Rapid Rugby, Matt Hodgson, and inspected facilities at No.2 Sportsground, McDonald Jones Stadium and the University of Newcastle,” said Clifton.

“The talks were at a high level where we discussed the ‘pros and cons’ of entering a team from the Hunter Region.”

Global Rapid Rugby has been founded and financially backed by Perth billionaire and mining magnate, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest. It is being designed to have eight teams from Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Japan, Samoa and Singapore playing against each other in 2020.

Clifton said NHRU’s talks with Global Rapid Rugby were known to Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby.

“One of the clear directions from local rugby clubs in formulating a new strategic business plan was for NHRU to explore ways in which we can provide pathways and create rugby attraction in the Hunter Valley,” he said.

“Our next step is to confirm approval by Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby and develop a business plan for the Hunter Region to have a competitive side in 2020.”

The initial talks with Global Rapid Rugby follows confirmation that NSW Rugby is to establish a satellite rugby academy in Newcastle with support from NHRU.

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Media inquiries should be directed to:

Bill Clifton on 0417 493 100